18-9-2023 (LONDON) Comedian and social influencer Russell Brand has been accused of rape, sexual assault, and abuse by four women who were acquainted with him during a seven-year period at the peak of his fame, according to reports from three British news organizations on Saturday (Sep 16).
The allegations, as highlighted by The Sunday Times, The Times of London, and Channel 4’s Dispatches, include one woman claiming to have been raped, while three others accuse Brand of sexual assault. Additionally, one of the women alleges physical and emotional abuse.
Brand swiftly denied the allegations, asserting that all his relationships were consensual. In a video posted online prior to the publication of the news stories, Brand referred to “extremely disturbing letters” from a television company and a newspaper, without explicitly naming them, and dismissed the allegations contained within them.
“These allegations pertain to the time when I was working in the mainstream, when I was in the newspapers all the time, when I was in the movies and, as I have written about extensively in my books, I was very, very promiscuous,” Brand stated in the video. “Now during that time of promiscuity, the relationships I had were absolutely, always consensual. I was always transparent about that then, almost too transparent, and I am being transparent about it now as well.”
Brand also suggested that the reports might be part of a coordinated effort to undermine him due to his controversial views. The comedian has faced criticism for expressing skepticism about COVID-19 vaccines and conducting interviews with contentious podcasters like Joe Rogan.
The accusations have come to light after the women were approached by reporters, with some attributing their decision to speak out to Brand’s current prominence as an online wellness influencer.
Brand initially gained fame as a stand-up comedian in the early 2000s in Britain before landing starring roles on Channel 4 and later BBC Radio, where he embraced a reputation for provocative behavior and risqué banter. He subsequently transitioned to Hollywood, appearing in films such as “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” in 2008 and the 2011 remake of “Arthur.” Brand was married to American pop star Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012.
In recent years, Brand has transformed himself into a political commentator and influencer, using platforms like YouTube to share his perspectives on personal freedom and the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is happening pic.twitter.com/N8zIKLbJN2
— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) September 15, 2023
